Parking locator system providing variably priced parking fees

ABSTRACT

A parking locator system providing variably priced parking includes one or more parking sensors and one or more parking kiosks. The parking sensors may generate parking information identifying one or more occupied parking spaces and one or more unoccupied parking spaces within a vicinity. Promotion information including one or more discounts to parking fees may be received at the parking kiosks. The parking kiosks may display the discounted parking fees and receive payment of the same. The discounts to parking fees may expire at particular times. The size of the discounts may be set based on traffic congestion, which may be determined based on the number of occupied parking spaces within the vicinity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/183,242, filed Jul. 14, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/876,382, filed Sep. 7, 2010, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/275,941, filedSep. 4, 2009. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/876,382 is also acontinuation-in-part of PCT Application No. PCT/US2009/03682, filed Jun.19, 2009, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.61/197,214, filed Oct. 23, 2008. U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/876,382 is also a continuation-in-part of PCT Application No.PCT/US2008/07727, filed Jun. 19, 2008.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a method and system for determining the statusof vehicle parking, including the location of available vehicle parking.

2. Related Art

Locating parking is a big problem in cities all around the world. Asdrivers search for a parking space, they waste gas, waste time and addto the traffic problems of big cities. The frustration of the search fora parking spot creates stress for those drivers that must frequent bigcities for their jobs. Health problems have been linked to high levelsof stress.

Thus, what is desired and disclosed herein is an apparatus, system andmethod to optimize the search for a parking space and reduce the timesearching and the amount of energy wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A parking locator system for providing variably priced parking isdisclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, the parking locatorsystem may comprise one or more servers configured to receive discountinformation from one or more providers. The discount information maycomprise one or more discounted parking fees associated with one or morepredefined time periods. One or more parking kiosks comprising a screenmay also be included.

Each of the parking kiosks may be configured to receive the discountinformation from the servers, present on the screen a discounted parkingfee for one or more parking spaces during a predefined time period(where the discounted parking fee and predefined time period areprovided in the discount information retrieved from the servers), andpresent on the screen a non-discounted parking fee outside of thepredefined time period. The non-discounted parking fee may be higherthan the discounted parking fee. Payment of the discounted parking feefrom the user may be accepted by the kiosks during the predefined timeperiod, while payment of the non-discounted parking fee may be acceptedoutside the predefined time period. The discounted parking fees in thediscount information may be set based on the parking informationprovided to the providers.

One or more sensors may be associated with the parking spaces. Forexample, the sensors may be mounted to a curb. The sensors may also beadjustable. The sensors may be configured to generate parkinginformation indicating whether each of the parking spaces are occupiedor unoccupied. It is noted that the servers may store the parkinginformation. The servers may also provide the parking information to theproviders. It is noted that the servers may receive the parkinginformation from the sensors wirelessly.

The servers may also or alternatively be configured to send the parkinginformation to one or more mobile devices in response to one or morerequests for the parking information from the mobile devices. It isnoted that the requests may include a location and the parkinginformation identifies one or more unoccupied parking spaces within apredefined area around the location.

The servers may also be configured to send directions to one or moreunoccupied parking spaces identified in the parking information inresponse to a request for the unoccupied parking spaces from one or moremobile devices. Also, the servers may be configured to identify one ormore unoccupied parking space on a map in response to a request for theunoccupied parking spaces from one or more navigation devices. Theservers could also be configured to send the discount information to oneor more mobile devices for presentation on a screen of the mobiledevices.

In another exemplary embodiment, a parking locator system configured toprovide discounted parking for one or more parking spaces might comprisea parking kiosk. Such parking kiosk may comprise one or morecommunication devices configured to receive discount information(comprising a discounted parking fee and an expiration time for thediscounted parking fee) from a provider, a screen configured to presentthe discounted parking fee before the expiration time and a highernon-discounted parking fee after the expiration time, and a paymentacceptor configured to receive payment for parking at the parkingspaces. The payment may be in an amount of the discounted parking feebefore the expiration time and in an amount of the higher non-discountedparking fee after the expiration time. An enclosure may be provided tosupport the communication devices, the screen, and the payment acceptor.

One or more parking locators could be part of the system, such as bybeing associated with one or more parking spaces. The parking locatorsmay be configured to generate parking information indicating whethereach of the parking spaces are occupied or unoccupied.

The parking kiosk may present the discounted parking fee for one or moreof the parking spaces that are occupied to allow the discounted parkingfee to be paid. The discounted parking fee may be set based on an amountof congestion at the parking spaces, the amount of congestion defined bya number of occupied parking spaces of the parking spaces.

Various methods of providing discounted or variably priced parking aredisclosed herein. For instance, a method of providing discount parkingwith a parking locator system may comprise detecting one or moreoccupied parking spaces and one or more unoccupied parking spaces withina vicinity using one or more sensors, storing parking informationidentifying the occupied parking spaces and the unoccupied parkingspaces in one or more servers, retrieving discount information includinga discounted parking fee and an expiration time from the servers,presenting the discounted parking fee to a user at one or more parkingkiosks prior to the expiration time, presenting a higher non-discountedparking fee at the parking kiosks after the expiration time, and raisingor lowering the discounted parking fee based on an amount of trafficcongestion at the vicinity.

The amount of traffic congestion may be determined by a total number ofthe occupied parking spaces within the vicinity. The discounted parkingfee may provide an increased discount when the amount of trafficcongestion is lower and a lower discount when the amount of trafficcongestion is higher.

The parking information may be sent to one or more mobile devices uponreceiving a request for the parking information from the mobile devices.A map identifying the unoccupied parking spaces may be provided to auser via a mobile device. The discount information may be received atthe servers from one or more providers.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a parking locator associatedwith a parking header according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side perspective view of parking locatorsassociated with a curb according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3A-3E each illustrate a cross sectional view of a parkinglocator's body according to various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates operation of a parking locator according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a logic device according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a plurality of parking locators connectedin a daisy chain according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a parking locator system according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exchange protocol according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a parking kiosk according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a parking locator cluster having a parkingkiosk according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11A illustrates exemplary promotional material according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11B illustrates an exemplary selection menu for promotionalmaterials according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11C illustrates exemplary promotional material according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of a promotion distribution system accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a parking locator system having apromotion distribution system according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14A illustrates an exemplary presentation of parking availabilityaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14B illustrates an exemplary presentation of parking search areasaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14C illustrates an exemplary presentation of parking availabilityaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14D illustrates an exemplary road status presentation according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14E illustrates an exemplary instructional presentation accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

A parking locator system including a promotion distribution system isdisclosed herein. Accordingly, a parking locator system generallyconfigured to detect the presence or absence of a vehicle within aparking space is disclosed a first aspect of the invention. A promotiondistribution system is disclosed herein as another aspect of theinvention (among others). As will become apparent from the descriptionbelow, the promotion distribution system, in general, provides one ormore promotional materials (e.g., deals, coupons, offers, etc. . . . )to users that have parked their vehicles in locations covered by theparking locator system. The promotion distribution system may utilizelocation information to provide particular promotions to users, as willalso be detailed below.

As stated, the parking locator system is generally configured to detectwhether a motor vehicle or other object is located within a parkingspace or other location. The parking locator system may then generateparking information accordingly. Parking information as discussed hereincomprises information indicating the presence or absence of a vehiclewithin one or more parking spaces, and/or the location of an objectwithin a space. It is noted that parking information may include detailssuch as the location or identification of specific parking spaces,directions thereto, and other parking related information as well.

The parking locator may notify external devices or user devices whetheror not it detects the presence of a motor vehicle in the parking spaceit is monitoring by communicating parking information to these devices.As discussed herein, an external device may be another parking locatoror another component of the invention. An external device may also be acomputer or other device capable of receiving parking information andperforming operations thereon, such as displaying, analyzing, storing,or forwarding the parking information. A user device may also be acomputer or other device capable of receiving parking information andperforming operations thereon. Typically, however, a user device differsfrom an external device in that user devices will generally be used topresent or display parking information to a user, such as for example adriver.

Each parking locator may monitor one or more parking spaces, dependingon the configuration of its sensors, and may be connected to form aparking locator system capable of detecting the presence of vehicleswithin one or more parking areas such as but not limited to parkinggarages, parking lots, or one or more city blocks.

In one or more embodiments, the parking locator may be used withexisting or new parking spaces such as those within a parking garage, ona street next to a curb, or located in a parking lot. Of course, theparking locator may be used with any parking space including temporaryevent parking and parking spaces in both paved and unpaved areas. Theparking spaces or locations may or may not be marked. In one or moreembodiments, the parking locator may communicate wirelessly which allowsparking locators to be easily deployed in various parking areas.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate various embodiments of the parking locator 104.In FIG. 1, the parking locator 104 is associated with a parking space112 such as those found in parking lots. In FIG. 2, the parking locator104 is associated with curb 204 or street parking spaces 112. Thoughshown in a specific configuration, it is contemplated that the parkinglocator 104 may be used with all manner of parking spaces 112 such asbut not limited to perpendicular, angled, or parallel parking. Inaddition, it is contemplated that the parking locator 104 may beconfigured to account for uncommon, illegal, or improper parking. Forexample, the parking locator 104 may properly report the presence of avehicle within a curbside parking space 112 even when one or more wheelsof the vehicle are on the curb 204. This type of parking may occur indense urban areas. The parking locator 104 may also be configured toproperly report that a vehicle is illegally or improperly parked such asif a vehicle occupies more than one parking space 112, or if the vehicleis located in a space or location in which parking it not permitted oris time-limited.

The parking locator 104 may include a tower light 124 to indicate if aparking space if occupied or available. For example, the tower light 124may include a green light or portion 128 and a red light or portion 132which respectively indicate when a parking space is available oroccupied. Of course, additional lights or portions may be provided. Inaddition, it is contemplated that the tower light 124 may have a singlelight or portion capable of displaying or emitting multiple colors. Thetower light 124 may have other shapes and sizes and may be configuredwith a speaker system to announce the location of a parking space wherea motor vehicle has just parked or just left. In one embodiment, thetower light 124 is mounted on a pole to elevate the tower light so thatit may be seen from a distance. The height of the pole may varyaccording to the situation at hand. For example, the tower light 124 maybe mounted at a higher position (i.e. on a taller pole) when in a largerparking lot or area or where it is contemplated that larger vehicleswill be parked.

The tower light 124 is advantageous in that it allows open and occupiedparking spaces to be easily identified from a distance. Thus, users willnot have to drive around a parking area to find an open space. As willbe described further below, the tower light 124 may be connected to andcontrolled by the logic device of the parking locator through one ormore electrical, optical, or wireless connections.

In one or more embodiments, the parking locator 104 has a body 120 whichmay be formed in a variety of different configurations. Generally, thebody 120 is a structure which supports the components of the parkinglocator 104. The body 120 may be configured to be free-standing orself-supporting. In other embodiments, the body is configured to acceptor engage another body, such as a parking header 116 or curb 204. In oneembodiment, the body 120 is shaped to fit over the edge of a curb 204 onthe street as shown in FIG. 2 or formed to fit over the top of a parkingheader 116 such as that shown in FIG. 1.

It is contemplated that the body 120 may be flat or planar and attachedto the parking space 112 or be mounted in or on the parking space. Thebody 120 may be manufactured from many different types of materialincluding but not limited to cement, plastic, rubber, metal, stone,composites, and even wood or wood products. A durable material isgenerally preferred.

It is noted that though generally described herein as fitting over acurb 204 or parking header 116, the parking locator's body 120 may be asolid mass forming the edge of a curb or may be a parking header itself.The body 120 may be mounted to the parking surface or another object byvarious means, such as adhesive, mechanical fasteners or the like.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate side views of various embodiments of the parkinglocator 104 which may fit over curbs 204, parking headers 116, and thelike. For example, FIG. 3A shows an embodiment where the parking locator104 is configured to fit over a square curb. FIGS. 3B-3C shows anembodiment having a body 120 configured to fit over a trapezoidalparking header 116. Of course, the parking locator 104 may be configuredto fit over any shape and thus a wide variety of parking locators arecontemplated. In addition, the parking locator 104 may be configured topartially or entirely cover various curbs 204, parking headers 116 orother structures as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3B and 3C respectively.

As stated, it is contemplated that the parking locator 104 may have aplanar body 120 such as shown from side view in FIG. 3B. In thisconfiguration, the parking locator 104 may be mounted to many differentsurfaces such as the surface of a curb 204, parking header 116, parkingspace 112, or even a wall. It is noted that the body 120 of the parkinglocator 104 may include one or more curves as well to accommodaterounded curbs 204, parking headers 116, or other rounded structures.

FIGS. 3D and 3E illustrate side views of embodiments of the parkinglocators 104 having a solid or substantially solid body 120. Generally,these embodiments are meant for stand alone use. For example, in FIG.3D, the body 120 is formed as a parking header 116 and thus the parkinglocator 104 may be used without requiring an existing parking header. InFIG. 3E, the parking locator's body 120 is formed as the edge of a curb204 rather than formed to cover the curb. It is noted that theseembodiments need not be completely solid and thus may have one or morehollow sections such as to save on materials or weight. For example, thebody 120 shown in FIG. 3D could have one or more holes running along itslength to save materials and reduce the weight of the parking locator104.

In one embodiment, the body of the parking locator may comprise anotherelement, such as a concrete parking stop. In such embodiment, the stopmight be modified to accommodate the one or more sensors and/or othercomponents of the parking locator. In addition, the wall of a parkingstructure, a curb or various other structures might be configured tohouse, support or contain the various elements of the parking locator.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the parking locator 104 comprises oneor more sensors 108 to detect the presence of a motor vehicle in one ormore embodiments. The sensors 108 may be secured to the body 120 of theparking locator 104 in various ways. For example, the sensors 108 may beattached to the exterior surface of the body 120 or may be embedded intoexterior surface of the body. In some embodiments, the sensors 108 maybe embedded or attached such that a portion of each sensor 108 protrudesor is external to the exterior surface of the body 120. In otherembodiments, the sensors 108 may be secured internal to the body 120(i.e. held within the body) such that no portion of a sensor is exposed.It is contemplated that individual sensors 108 may be secured by variousstructures, mounts, fasteners, adhesives, or a combination thereof. Inone embodiment, the sensors 108 may be secured by a rotating or pivotingmount which allows the sensors to be pointed in a particular directionor angle. In addition, different ways of securing a sensor 108, such asthose discussed herein, may be used to secure sensors of a singleparking locator 104.

One advantage to allowing the sensors 108 to be secured in various waysis that particular sensors may operate better depending on how they havebeen secured. For example, sensors 108 which utilize electromagnetic orradio frequency energy may be secured within the body 120 of the parkinglocator 104 because such energy can be detected through the body of theparking locator. In contrast, some acoustic or light sensors 108 may besecured such that a portion of these sensors are exposed to betterdetect sounds or light.

It is contemplated that in some embodiments, an optically, acoustically,or electromagnetically transparent cover may be used to appropriatelyprotect one or more sensors 108 of the parking locator 104. Other coversmay be used as well; however, transparent covers have the advantage ofreduced interference with the operation of the sensors 108. Of course,where a sensor 108 is within the body 120 of the parking locator 104such covers are likely not necessary and thus may not be provided.

Referring to FIG. 4, the sensors 108 may detect the presence of anobject within a parking space by emitting one or more detection beams404 which may comprise acoustic, electromagnetic, radio frequency, orlight (including non-visible, such as infrared heat) energy. As will bedescribed further below, a logic device may be used to determine thepresence of a motor vehicle within a parking space based on thedetection of one or more objects by the sensors 108. Generally, thereflection of a detection beam 404 off an object allows the sensor 108to detect the object's presence. It is noted that detecting an objectincludes detecting the presence of a motor vehicle or parts thereof aswell as detecting the presence of other physical objects. Though shownas a directed beam, it is noted that the detection beams 404 may be omnidirectional such as with electromagnetic or radio frequency energy. Inaddition, one or more of the sensors 108 may be passive sensors whichdetect vehicles without emitting any detection beams 404.

For example, the sensors 108 may be acoustic sensors which detect thesound of a vehicle, or the sensors may be radio frequency orelectromagnetic sensors which detect changes in surrounding radio orelectromagnetic energy due to the presence of metals or other materialsin a vehicle. The passive sensors 108 may also detect physical contactor movement, such as physical contact with a vehicle or movement of thepavement (including pressure) due to the presence of a vehicle. Thepassive sensors 108 may also detect the weight of a vehicle in one ormore embodiments.

It is contemplated that any type of sensor 108, now known or laterdeveloped, which is capable of detecting the presence of an object maybe used. In addition, one or more different types of sensors 108 may beused on a single parking locator 104 if desired. The ability to havemultiple types of sensors 108 is advantageous in that readings from thevarious types of sensors may be used to verify the presence of a vehiclesuch as by comparing the readings from the various sensors. As is knownin the art, different types of sensors 108 may have different detectionranges and capabilities and may be chosen to suit differentenvironments, vehicles, or other conditions.

The sensors 108 may be pointed horizontally, such as at a 0 degreeangle, or at any other angle to detect a motor vehicle. In a preferredembodiment, the sensors 108 are pointed upward at a 45 degree angle. Itis contemplated that the sensors 108 in some embodiments may beadjustable or pivotable to various angles and that each sensor may bepointed at the same or at a different angle than the other sensors ofthe parking locator 104. As illustrated in the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4, an angle closer to horizontal may be used to detect vehiclesparked further away while an angle closer to 45 degrees may be used todetect vehicles parked close to the parking locator 104. It is notedthat pointing a sensor 108 at too high an angle may result in itsdetection beam 404 going over a vehicle causing the vehicle not to bedetected, while pointing a sensor at too low an angle may cause thesensor to detect objects or vehicles outside its parking space. Omnidirectional, non-omni directional, active, and passive sensors 108 maybe pointed and adjusted to various angles in one or more embodiments soas to maximize or fine tune the detection capability of the sensors.

Though shown in FIG. 4 as detecting a vehicle from the front, it isnoted that the parking locator 104 may detect a vehicle at anyorientation or angle and that the parking locator's sensors 108 may beselected and pointed based on the orientation or angle of the relevantparking space. For example, a parking locator 104 installed on a curbcan detect the presence of a vehicle even though the side of the vehiclerather than the front faces the parking locator. The same may be saidfor diagonally, illegally, or improperly parked vehicles. This isbecause the parking locator 104 may be configured to detect the locationof portions of a vehicle within a particular space as described below.

Each parking locator 104 may be configured to have more or fewer sensors108 at various angles and spaced apart at various distances depending onthe size, type, shape, or other characteristic of various motorvehicles. For example, more sensors 108 may be included in the parkinglocator to better detect smaller vehicles such as motorcycles, golfcarts, scooters, bicycles, and the like. Additional sensors 108 may alsobe included to detect vehicles in relatively large spaces. Fewer sensors108 may be included in the parking locator 104 where larger vehiclessuch as sedans, trucks, vans and the like are parked.

Sensors 108 may be positioned or spaced along the parking locator 104 invarious ways. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, four sensors are positionedsuch that two sensors 108 are secured on each side of the parkinglocator 104. Of course, other sensor positions may be utilized as well.For example, in some parking spaces it may be desirable to detect thepresence of motor bikes, electric vehicles, golf carts, or other smallvehicles which have a smaller total length then the typical motorvehicle (it should be noted that the parking sensor may be utilized todetect a variety of objects, including vehicles as well as otherobstructions such as trash bins, or the like, and that the term“vehicle” is not limited to an automobile but may includes bikes,motorcycles, carts and a variety of other movable objects). Thus, thesensors 108 may be placed closer together. Where there is a need todetect medium size or large vehicles, the sensors 108 may be placedfurther apart.

It is contemplated that the sensors 108 may be positioned (as well aspointed) to detect specific parts of motor vehicles. For example, one ormore sensors 108 may be positioned, pointed, or both such that thesensors are better suited to detect the wheels or tires of a vehicle. Inthis case, the sensors 108 may be spaced closer together correspondingto where the wheels or tires are likely to be located when a vehicle isparked. Of course, the sensors 108 may be configured or positioned todetect other portions of a vehicle.

Each parking locator 104 may be configured by an install technician orothers for the number and type of sensors 108 and the position andalignment of the sensors for detection of motor vehicles. For example,sensors 108 may be adjusted, added, or removed by a technician asdesired. In addition, sensors 108 may be realigned or replaced to ensurethat the parking locator 104 continues to function properly.

In one or more embodiments, a logic device 504 may be provided.Generally the logic device 504 receives sensor information from one ormore sensors 108. Sensor information may be thought of as the data orreadings that the sensors 108 output. The logic device 504 may theninterpret this information to determine whether a motor vehicle ispresent within a parking space. The presence of a vehicle may then betransmitted as parking information to other devices, drivers, or others.

Though the parking locator and its elements such as but not limited tothe logic device, sensors, and processor, are generally described hereinas detecting the presence of an object or vehicle, it is noted that theabsence of an object or vehicle is also detected by the fact that notdetecting an object or vehicle implies that the same is not present orabsent. Thus, in some embodiments, the absence of an object or vehiclemay be communicated simply by not communicating that an object orvehicle is present. Of course, the absence of a vehicle may becommunicated as well. For example, the sensors or logic device of theinvention may communicate information indicating the absence of anobject or vehicle when an object or vehicle is not detected.

It is noted that the logic device 504 may be configured to communicatethe presence of a vehicle even if the vehicle is only partially within aparking space. In one or more embodiments, the logic device 504 maycommunicate that an obstruction is present if a vehicle or other objectis partially within a parking space.

Sensor information may be interpreted by a logic device 504 to determinethe presence of a motor vehicle in various ways. For example, if one ormore of the sensors 108 detect the presence of an object, the logicdevice 504 may communicate that there is a vehicle present. Of course,the logic device 504 may be configured to communicate that a vehicle ispresent if a specific number of sensors detect an object.

The logic device 504 may be held within the parking locator such as forexample, within the parking locator's body or beneath the parkinglocator's body. In this manner, the logic device 504 is protected fromthe elements, tampering, and from physical damage by the parkinglocator's body. It is contemplated that one or more covers removablyattached to the body or one or more removable portions of the body maybe used to allow the logic device 504 to be accessed for maintenance,replacement, adjustment, configuration, or other reasons.

In one embodiment, the parking locator includes at least one transmitterconfigured to transmit information. In a preferred embodiment, as theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 shows, the logic device 504 may compriseat least one transceiver 516, as well as one or more sensor inputs 532,one or more processors 508, and one or more memory devices 512. It isnoted that a separate memory device 512 may not be required in allembodiments because the processor 508 may have memory or theconfiguration of the logic device 504 does not require it. In apreferred embodiment, the parking locator comprises a transceiver ratherthan just a transmitter, thus allowing the two way communications to andfrom the parking locator. Transmitted information may include parkinginformation including information indicating the presence or absence ofa motor vehicle to external devices, as will be described further below.Received information may comprise diagnostic or control instructions.

The transceiver 516 may utilize various communications linkscommunicate, including those now known or later developed. For example,the transceiver 516 may be configured to communicate via a wiredcommunication link comprising a physical cable such as electrical oroptical cable. The transceiver 516 may also be configured to communicatevia a wireless communication link. Various communications protocols,packet switched, circuit switched, or otherwise, now known or laterdeveloped, may be used with the invention as well. In one or moreembodiments, the transceiver 516 may communicate via TCP/IP, GPRS, ortext messaging.

It is noted that the transceiver 516 may be used to install, configure,and maintain the parking locator in some embodiments. For example, atechnician or other personnel may connect to a parking locator throughthe transceiver 516 to setup or update configuration settings orinitiate diagnostics. It is contemplated that this connection may alsoallow one or more sensors to be turned off (i.e. deactivated), turned on(i.e. activated), calibrated, or adjusted. For example, one or moredamaged sensors 108 may be turned off to prevent false readings. Inaddition, one or more sensors 108 may be calibrated or adjusted such asby increasing or decreasing the strength of their detection beams, ifapplicable, or by increasing or decreasing their sensitivity. It isnoted that this connection allows technicians or other personnel toremotely perform these functions. Of course, these functions may beperformed through the transceiver 516 locally as well, such as byconnecting a laptop or the like directly to the parking locator.

In some embodiments, the transceiver 516 may be configured to controlthe tower light 124 illustrated in FIG. 1. In these embodiments, thetransceiver 516 may be configured to send a signal corresponding to thelight, color, or both that should be displayed or emitted by the towerlight. It is noted that a separate transceiver 516 or other interfaceconfigured to control the tower light may be provided as part of thelogic device in one or more embodiments.

One or more sensor inputs 532 or another interface may also be includedin the logic device 504. Generally, a sensor input 532 allows dataoutputted by one or more sensors 108 to be received by the othercomponents of the logic device 504. For example, the sensor input 532may be a terminal or other connector through which the output leads orconnectors 520 of a sensor 108 may be connected. It is contemplated thateach sensor input 532 may be selected to correspond to the output of oneor more sensors 108. For example, a sensor input 532 may be configuredto accept a particular optical or electrical connection from a sensor108. In some embodiments, the sensor input 532 may be configured toaccept wireless transmissions from one or more sensors 108.

In one embodiment, the sensor input 532 may translate data from a sensor108 from one format or type to another. For example, an optical signalmay be translated into an electrical signal, or one data format may betranslated into another data format. The advantage of this capability isthat a variety of sensor information may be translated by the sensorinput 532 so that it is of a format or type that the one or moreprocessors 508 of the logic device 504 can utilize. Of course this isnot necessary in all embodiments, as the processor 508 or sensors 108may be configured such that translation of sensor information is notrequired.

The one or more processors 508 may be simple electronic circuits or maybe a more complex device such as a microprocessor. It is contemplatedthat any electronic device or component, now known or later developed,capable of receiving and interpreting input from the one or more sensors108 may be used as a processor 508.

As stated above, the logic device may be configured to determine thepresence of a vehicle within a parking space. In one or moreembodiments, the one or more processors 508 may be used to make thisdetermination. For example, a processor 508 may interpret sensorinformation from one or more sensors 108 to determine the presence of amotor vehicle within a parking space. For example, if only one sensor108 detects the presence of an object, the processor 508 may determinethat there may be an obstruction, but that no motor vehicle is present.However, if more than one of the sensors 108 detect the presence of anobject, the processor 508 may determine that a motor vehicle is present.In one embodiment, each sensor 108 will detect an object, if such objectis present, and the logic device's processor 508 will determine whetherthe object is a motor vehicle depending on the location of the sensorsand the number of sensors detecting an object. It is noted that in someembodiments, the detection of an object by a single sensor 108 may besufficient for the processor 508 to determine that a vehicle is present.

It is contemplated that the processor 508 may be configured to determinewhether a motor vehicle is present in other ways as well. For example,the processor 508 may execute one or more image, sound, or other patternrecognition algorithms on the sensor data to determine the presence orabsence of a vehicle. These algorithms may be stored as machine readablecode on one or more memory devices 512 of the logic device 504 in one ormore embodiments. As stated, memory devices 512 are not necessary in allembodiments because the processor 508 may be configured to perform thesealgorithms such as in the case of an application specific integratedcircuit (ASIC), a field-programmable grid array (FPGA), or otherspecialized microprocessor.

In one or more embodiments, the one or more memory devices 512 may beused to store data as well. For example, the parking locator'sconfiguration or other settings such as but not limited to its locationon the lot, the configuration of its sensors, and its communicationsettings may be stored on a memory device 512. In addition, a logcontaining a record of when motor vehicles are present or absent may bestored on a memory device 512. This is advantageous in that thisinformation may be used to plan additional parking capacity, conductdiagnostics on parking locators, or determine the price of parking,among other things.

FIG. 6 shows a plurality of parking locators 104 connected by powercables 620 and communications cables 624. Generally, the power cables620 are used to provide power to each parking locator 104 while thecommunications cables 624 allow each parking locator to transmit data,receive data, or both. It is noted that the power cables 620 andcommunications cables 624 may be within a single cable having one ormore conductors in some embodiments. In addition, it is contemplatedthat additional cables such as redundant power cables 620 or redundantcommunications cables 624 may be included in some embodiments as well.

It is contemplated that a power cable 620 may be any cable though whichpower can be provided to one or more parking locators 104, and that acommunications cable 624 may be any cable through which data can betransmitted, received, or both by one or more parking locators 104. Inone or more embodiments, the communications cables 624 may be standardnetwork cables such as but not limited to Ethernet, coaxial, or opticalcables. It is noted that in embodiments where the parking locator 104may communicate wirelessly, such as through a wireless transceiver,communications cables 624 may not be provided. It is contemplated that aparking locator 104 may be solar or battery powered in one or moreembodiments. In these embodiments, power cables 620 may not be requiredbut may be used to power parking locators 104 if solar or battery poweris inadequate.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of parking locators 104are connected in a daisy chain configuration wherein the power and datainput to a second parking locator is routed from a first apparatus whilea third parking locator connects to the power and data output of thesecond parking locator. Of course, it is contemplated that each parkinglocator may be directly connected to a power source for power, to anexternal device to transmit and receive data, or both in one or moreembodiments. The number of parking locators 104 that may be connected ina daisy chain may be from 1 to n where n is defined by power anddistance. It is preferable to organize the parking locators 104 inclusters associated with a particular location in order to provide thedetails required by a parking location system.

A control box 604 may be used to facilitate daisy chaining a pluralityof parking locators 104 in one or more embodiments. The control box maycomprise a power distributor 628 which connects to and sends power froma power source to power the daisy chain of parking locators 104. Thepower source will typically be an electrical grid however it iscontemplated that other power sources such as generators or batteriesmay be used as well. It is contemplated that the power distributor 628may be configured to supply power to a particular number of parkinglocators 104 or a range of a number of parking locators. In one or moreembodiments, the power distributor 628 may alter the power from thepower source, such as but not limited to converting AC to DC, DC to AC,and increasing or decreasing voltage or current, prior to supplyingpower to the one or more parking locators 104.

It is contemplated that each or some of the parking locators 104 may beconnected to a power source other than the power distributor 628 in someembodiments. For example, each parking locator 104 in a particularparking lot may be plugged into or connect to the electrical grid orother power source.

Generally, the control box 604 is connected to one or more parkinglocators 104 via one or more communications cables 624 or wirelessly toallow data to be communicated to and from each of the one or moreparking locators. It is contemplated that the control box 604 be used tonotify one or more drivers, parking attendants, other external or userdevices, or people of the presence or absence of a motor vehicle at aparticular parking locator. For example, in one or more embodiments, thecontrol box 604 receives data indicating whether a particular parkinglocator 104 has detected or not detected the presence of a vehicle andcommunicates the same as parking information to one or more external oruser devices.

Typically this occurs by the logic device within a parking locator 104communicating the parking information comprising information indicatingthe presence or absence of a vehicle within its associated parking spaceto the control box 604. Of course, other parking information regarding aparking space may be collected by a parking locator's 104 sensors 108and communicated to the control box 604 as well. In one embodiment, theparking information provided by a parking locator's 104 logic device maybe communicated in the following format:

<Device Number>,<Status Code>,<Location>

Device Numbers may be numeric or alphanumeric codes which uniquelyidentify each parking locator 104. Of course, any indicator capable ofuniquely identifying a parking locator 104 from a plurality of parkinglocators may be used as a Device Number. The Location may be adescription, geographic coordinates, street name, parking space number,or any other indicator of the parking locator's location. It is notedthat Location may not be communicated by a parking locator 104 in allembodiments because a separate record or database of locations indexedby each parking locator's Device Number may be kept and used to retrievethe location of a parking locator. Status codes generally indicate thepresence or absence of a vehicle and may include specific informationsuch as but not limited to the following examples:

1. Space Empty

2. Motor Bike Present

3. Small Motor Vehicle Present

4. Motor Vehicle Present

5. Unknown Obstruction Present

6. Apparatus Error

7. Other Status information

The parking information may then be used by the control box 604 tocommunicate to one or more users or external devices the current statusof one or more parking spaces. Communication of the status of particularparking spaces or of vacant parking spaces in an area may occur invarious ways. For example, the control box 604 may be connected to atelephone line, the internet, cellular network, one or more displays orsigns, or a combination thereof. Users may then call a number or send arequest by text message to receive information regarding open oroccupied parking spaces or look up this information on the internet oron a sign. It is contemplated that electronic signs may be posted nearthe entrance to a parking area or other visible area such that users(such as drivers) may easily see which spaces are open or occupied. Thesign may direct users to open spaces such as by providing a map ordirections to an open space, or by listing a number or other informationthat identifies the space.

The control box 604 may be configured to communicate parking informationto users through one or more user devices of various types. In thismanner, a wide variety of communication methods may be used. Forexample, users could receive notifications via text messaging, instantmessaging, telephone calls, email, or a combination thereof on anydevice capable of displaying the same.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a parking locator system accordingto the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the parking locator system iscomprised of one or more parking locator clusters 708. As shown, eachparking locator cluster 708 comprises one or more parking locators 104connected in a daisy chain to a control box 604. Each cluster 708 maytransmit parking information on a real-time basis to a location server712 via a network 720. For example, the parking locators or parkinglocator clusters 708 may continuously transmit parking information tothe location server 712. The location server 712, as described furtherbelow, may be configured to organize and store the received parkinginformation and provide the parking information to one or more userdevices 704.

These transmissions of information may occur via one or more wired orwireless communication links 716 and networks 720 utilizing variouscommunication protocols. It is noted that in some embodiments, parkinginformation may be transmitted when requested by a location server 712rather than being transmitted on a real-time basis. For example, parkinginformation may be requested by a location server 712 from one or moreparking locators 104 or clusters 708 in response to a driver's or otherperson's request for parking information. Such a request may be madefrom a user device 704.

Though illustrated as two separate networks 720, it is contemplated thatuser devices 704, location servers 712, clusters 708, and individualparking locators 104 may communicate through a single network ormultiple networks. It is also contemplated that the networks may be ofdifferent types. For example, communication may occur over the internet,telephone networks, cellular networks, as well as other wired orwireless networks. The type of network or networks used will depend onthe communications requirements used by and with the invention herein.

In one embodiment, the communication between each cluster 708 and thelocation server 712 is accomplished through wireless communication links716. In a preferred wireless embodiment, GPRS communication is used tofacilitate communication between each cluster 708 and the locationserver 712. In another embodiment, the communication between eachcluster 708 and the location server 712 is accomplished through wiredcommunication links 716. In a preferred wired embodiment, the clusters708 and the location server 712 communicate via TCP/IP or other internetprotocol. In yet another embodiment, individual clusters 708 maycommunicate via different wired or wireless networks 720 such as GPRSnetworks, circuit switched networks, or packet switched networks (e.g.internet).

As stated, each cluster 708 comprises one or more parking locators 104connected in a daisy chain to a control box 604. In this embodiment,each cluster 708 communicates via a communication link 716 through itscontrol box 604. Also shown in FIG. 7 is a parking locator 104configured to communicate directly to a location server 712 through anetwork 720. For example, the logic device of a parking locator 104 maybe configured with an appropriate transceiver to allow directcommunication of parking information to a location server 712 ifdesired.

The location server 712 may compile the collected information on areal-time, periodic, or other basis (e.g. as the information isrequested by users) and organize the information based on location andtime. This information may then be easily retrieved for users of thesystem. The location server 712 will typically be a server computer orpersonal computer having machine readable code configured to perform thefunctions described herein. However, it is noted that other devicescapable of performing the functions herein may also be utilized with theinvention.

In one embodiment, the location server 712 utilizes a database toorganize and store parking information. The database may include thefollowing data elements:

1) User Accounts to enable system and service access, which includesaccount type, name and address information, User device type, and userdevice configuration.

2) Network Configurations which include each parking apparatus, everytransmitter device, location within a defined geographical area, andother configuration information

3) Wireless Network Information and Configuration

4) Support Personnel Accounts

5) Parking Device apparatus status

6) User location and status

7) Traffic Alerts

8) Traffic Information

9) City Fees and Payment Repository

10) Connection to financial institutions for payment services

11) Other related information and real-time status

The account information such as User and Support Personnel Accounts maybe used to allow or deny access to the information stored in thedatabase. For example, User Accounts may have access to traffic andparking information while Support Personnel Accounts may have access toconfiguration and status information such as network information.

Thus, it can be seen that the location server 714 is advantageous inthat it provides a central storage area, such as the database describedabove, for parking information. In addition, other related informationmay be stored and accessed. Further, the location server 714 allowsaccess to such information to be controlled by one or more User, SupportPersonnel, or other accounts, and provides a single device from whichsuch account holders may access parking and related information. Asstated, it is contemplated that the location server 714 may be acomputer and thus may be easily programmed to include additionalfunctionality and connected to a wide variety of networks and devices asnecessary.

Similar to individual parking locators 104 or groups of parkinglocators, the parking locator system provides a service to the user thatprovides the user with available parking space information within aparticular location or region. In one embodiment, the user may send atext message (e.g. SMS message from a cell phone) to a specific shortcode to request the closest available empty parking space from thesystem. In another embodiment, a user could send a text message to aparticular short code assigned to the parking locator system to requestall available spaces. It can thus be seen that a variety of textmessages may be sent to the parking locator system and that the systemmay be configured to provide specific information as requested by aparticular text message. An example of such text message requests couldlook as follows:

“Closest Space?” (to request the closest space)

“All Spaces?” (to request all available spaces within an area)

A user may provide his or her current location to the system in the textmessage or that the user's phone may provide the user's currentlocation. For example, the phone may provide GPS coordinates to thesystem or the user may enter cross streets, zip codes, coordinates, orother location information in a text message. Such a request could lookas follows:

“Closest Space to Main St. and 4th St.?”

In response to a request, the parking locator system may be configuredto return a text message to the user, providing driving directions tothe open space. For example:

“Space available on 4th St. between Main St. and River St.”

The system may be configured to send map or other visual informationindicating the location of one or more spots, or such information may besynchronized to a map or other data. For example, the system may send a.jpg map showing streets and the location of open parking spots to auser device, such as a phone, for display.

It is contemplated that the parking locator system may be connected toother user devices such as navigation devices. For example, in-car orhandheld GPS/direction systems may be used. The status of parkingspaces, preferably open spaces, may then be displayed on a map displayedby the navigation device. In addition, the system may include a GPSsystem including radio communication and may inform the userspecifically about the availability of parking within a specific area.Additional options may include the capability of a GPS enabled userdevice to also provide integrated information regarding accidents ortraffic jams.

It is noted that user devices, which are generally devices capable ofdisplaying or presenting parking information to a user, may be ofvarious types. For example, in addition to cell phones and navigationdevices, PDAs, portable media players, electronic signs, portable gamemachines, internet terminals, and computers may be used to request andview parking information. It is contemplated that these devices mayrequest and display parking information through various interfaces. Forexample, some user devices may utilize a web interface or other softwareinterface to allow users to make requests of parking information and todisplay the same to users.

In addition, a tower light, such as described above with respect to FIG.1, may be used to display parking information. In this situation thetower light may be configured as a user device in that the tower lightwould communicate with or be controlled by a location server or acontrol box without being connected to a parking locator or any logicdevice therein. It is contemplated that a tower light may be associatedwith a parking space rather than attached to the parking locator. Forexample, the tower light may be attached to the parking space itself ormay be mounted on a pole extending upward from the parking space. Asstated, such pole may be of varying heights as desired for visibility,aesthetic, or other reasons.

In one or more embodiments, users may be charged for parking informationprovided by the invention. Many methods for charging the users of thesystem are possible, including monthly fees, subscriptions, pertransaction fees, subsidized by government or advertising, locationspecific, regional specific, etc. . . . It is noted that any method ofaccepting payment, now known or later developed may be used with theinvention.

In one embodiment, the location server may be configured to collect afee or payment and check that a user has paid before communicatingparking information to the user. Each user may be identified by his orher phone number, a username and password, or other identifyinginformation. It is contemplated that where a location server is notprovided, a control box may be configured to collect payment and checkthat a user has paid before communicating information to the user.

The parking locator system may be configured to support a plurality offinancial methods for accessing the system and using the service. Forexample, in many large cities within Europe, drivers are forced bycities to pay for access to city centers to alleviate environmentalproblems. A cell phone may be used as an electronic purse communicatingto the system using protocols such as GPRS to make payment for access tothe city. It is thus contemplated that a cell phone may similarly beused to make payment for access to the parking locator system. Suchpayment may include a single payment for a single day, multiple days, amonth, multiple months, or other time period as desired. Further, asdetailed below, payment may also be automated via a vehicleidentification system.

In some embodiments, the system may support time based access where theuser simply pays for the time in which they are within a city center orother area and wish to use the parking locator system. In otherembodiments, subscription based access may be supported where the userof the system pays a monthly fee to utilize the system to access parkinginformation. It is contemplated that the system may allow payments foraccess to other services the system is capable of providing includingbut not limited to traffic information and traffic alert services. Theremay also be a software development kit (SDK) provided for third partiesto add additional services or features to the system such as retailshopping information, entertainment information, restaurant information,and special offers and services.

It is contemplated that the system may include identified users andtheir user information, and identified vehicles and vehicle information.First, vehicles may be identified by one or more identifiers, such astags. In general, a tag may comprise vehicle identifying information onor associated with a physical medium or device, or otherwise capable ofbeing transmitted or provided to and/or from the vehicle. For example,the vehicle identifying information may be a code or other sequence ofinformation capable of uniquely identifying one or a group of vehicles.Such a vehicle may have a tag comprising one or more barcodes attachedthereto. A vehicle may also have an RFID tag attached thereto in one ormore embodiments. Other types of tags may also be used. In fact, anydevice capable of identifying a vehicle to a parking locator may beused. For example, a radio frequency, infrared, acoustic, or otheremitter configured to transmit a code or other information identifying avehicle may be used as a tag.

One or more parking locator sensors may be configured to read these tagsto identify a vehicle. Such sensors may include or may be in addition tothose described above for detecting the presence of a vehicle in aparking space. Such sensors may also be associated with a parking headeror similar mount, or may be separate there from. For example, a sensormay emit a radio frequency signal to read vehicle identifyinginformation from an RFID tag. A sensor may also read vehicle identifyinginformation from a tag by receiving such information without firstemitting radio frequency or other signals. It is contemplated that insome embodiments, a vehicle may be detected through detection of a tagalone. Typically however, the parking locators will be capable ofdetecting the presence of vehicles with or without tags, as in themanners detailed above. Advantageously, however, identification of aparticular vehicle (rather than the mere presence of a vehicle) providesvarious additional advantages, as detailed herein.

Tags may be distributed to users in various ways. In one embodiment, auser may obtain a tag from a designated location such as at a kiosk,vending machine, or office. Of course, tags may be obtained online,through the mail, or by phone, as well as in other ways. Generally, auser will provide user information identifying the user, whichinformation is associated with the tag. Such user information mightinclude one or more of user name, address, phone number, credit cardnumber, drivers license number, and vehicle identification information.In one embodiment, a user may also associate funds with the tag, such asby depositing funds or otherwise providing a method of payment such ascash, check, or a credit card or account number in some embodiments. Itis contemplated that a user or other personnel may attach or associatetags to vehicles.

This user information may be stored in a database, such as disclosedabove, or in a separate patron database. The database itself may bestored on one or more servers. For example, the database may be storedon one or more location servers of a parking locator system. Once auser's information has been stored in a database and/or pays anyrequired subscription fees, the user may be considered a subscriber ofthe system and other transactions (such as obtaining other tags) may beassociated with that information. Of course, a user may later be askedfor a username and password or other identification to verify the user'sidentity.

It is contemplated that other user information may be stored in thedatabase as well. For example, a user may provide information regardinghis or her daily or other commute to and from work or other locations.This information will generally include a starting location and adestination location as well as desired or required times of departure,arrival, or both. In some embodiments, information regarding the routebetween the starting and destination location may be included.

Once stored in a database, the system of the invention may review theuser's commute to automatically provide traffic or parking informationto the user. For example, if road work, an accident, construction, ortraffic has or is occurring along a user's commute, this information maybe automatically communicated to the user, such as through a userdevice. In addition, parking information identifying one or moreunoccupied parking spaces may be automatically communicated to the user.This information may be communicated automatically at or prior to theuser's departure or arrival times or may be communicated automaticallyupon the user's vehicle entering a particular area as determined by aGPS device or other vehicle location system. This information may alsobe retrieved as desired by a user such as by accessing the informationthrough a user device.

In the database, individual tags may be associated with a particularuser's user information. For example, each tag may have an identifierwhich may be associated with the user's information, or the vehicleidentifying information contained on each tag may be associated with theuser's information. In this manner the holder or owner of each tag maybe later determined. If a tag expires, is damaged, is lost, or otherwisebecomes unusable, such tag may be removed from the database or may bemarked as no longer in use. Tags may also be marked in the database assuspended such as in the case where a user fails to pay one or morecharges. In this manner, the state of issued tags may be managed throughthe database.

In one or more embodiments, users may elect to have anonymous tags.Generally, anonymous tags will be configured to identify individual orgroups of vehicles without identifying or being associated with a user.Such tags may not provide all of the same advantages to a user as a tagwhich is user identified. However, such a tag may have various of thebenefits detailed herein. For example, even though a user is notidentified, information may be transmitted to a tagged vehicle regardingtraffic, parking or other information.

The ability to identify individual or groups of vehicles providesseveral advantages. For example, the system may automatically charge anidentified vehicle's owner for parking in certain parking spaces or fordriving to or through certain areas. This may occur by the parkinglocator or parking locator system reading the vehicle's tag and using adatabase to look up the user who holds or owns the tag. The charges maythen be charged against deposited funds, or to a bank or credit cardassociated with the tag. In this manner, a user may be automaticallybilled or charged for parking, toll roads, or other services. The systemmay otherwise charge users for various of the services provided thereby,such as for providing parking or traffic information and/or the usernetworking information detailed below. Such a fee may be, for example, asubscription fee.

It is contemplated that the system may be used to eliminate one or moreparking meters or similar devices in this manner. For example, one ormore parking spaces, in parking lots, parking garages, or other parkingareas may be configured to identify a car by its tag when parked. Ratherthan requiring a driver or other person to insert a coin or otherpayment, the system may automatically charge an account associated withthe vehicle. It is noted that the account to be charged may be stored inthe vehicle's tag in one or more embodiments. In this manner, theaccount may be charged without the system retrieving the accountinformation from an external database or other data source. The accountmay be any account that allows funds to be transferred to pay forparking. For example, the account may be a credit card, checking,savings, debit, prepaid, or other account.

Another advantage is that users may establish a social network withother users. For example, users may elect to allow other users to seewhere their car is parked. In this manner, users may determine if any oftheir friends or acquaintances are in the same area. In addition, usersmay make new friends and acquaintances from other users who are in thesame area or who frequent the same areas. For example, one or more userswho do not know each other may commute to the same place for work orshop at the same place. It is noted that in one or more embodiments, auser may choose which other users may see where their car is parked.

In one embodiment, the system may even analyze parking information toprovide offers to users. For example, the system may detect a particularvehicle parked in an area on a regular basis. The system may send anotice to the user that the user could save money by parking in anotherlocation.

Users may also elect to allow other users to see their contactinformation, their commutes, or both in one or more embodiments. In thismanner, users may communicate with each other, such as through thephone, instant messaging, online postings, email, or the like. Users mayalso use this feature to meet new people, to share or arrange commutesor car pools, or both. It is noted that in one or more embodiments, auser may choose which other users may see their contact information.

The parking locator system may include a server to facilitate socialnetworking functions, or an existing server, such as the locationserver, may be used to facilitate social networking functions. Thisserver may be configured to provide access to user information to one ormore users. In one embodiment, the server provides a web interfacethrough which users may see and locate other users, input their commutesand information related to their commutes, as well as communicate withother users such as by posting messages on a bulletin board type systemor by sending messages directly to one or more other users. The servermay be accessed through one or more user devices. It is contemplatedthat non-web interfaces may be provided as well. For example, the servermay include a voice interface. In addition, an application or softwaremay be configured to access the server as well. For example, a userdevice such as a GPS device may include software configured tocommunicate with the server. In this manner, the location of otherusers' contact information and parking locations may be shown directlyon a user device.

In one embodiment, users may be allowed to establish a network ofprivate friends. Each user may establish this network by selecting oneor more other users for his or her private network of friends. Within anetwork, users may share commute information, may see where a friend'scar is parked such as to locate a friend, and privately communicate.Users outside a network will typically not be allowed to see theinformation users have communicated or shared within the network.

It is contemplated that users may use their friend's networks to arrangea commute or car pool with a larger pool of users. For example, usersmay be allowed to see the commutes of people who are not in their friendnetwork, but are in a friend's friend network. In this manner, sharedcommutes or car pools may be arranged between people who are known byother people within a user's network rather than between completestrangers. Users may be given discounts or benefits, such as free ordiscounted parking or reduced subscription fees, for arranging orparticipating in shared commutes or car pools. As with above, anadditional server or an existing server may be used in the parkinglocator system to facilitate the network of private friendsfunctionality such as by providing a web or other user accessibleinterface. It is noted that the same server may be used to provide thenetwork of private friends functionality as well as social networkingfunctionality. Of course, separate servers may be used as well.

In one or more embodiments, the parking locator system may provide toolsand services to municipalities to ensure better control and bettermanagement of parking areas. Control and management may be implementedat a variety of parking areas. For example, there may be different typesof parking within the same town or other location, such as “blue area”parking, “rotary” parking, and “mixed” parking. Each type of parkingarea may have different characteristics.

For instance, parking in a blue area may be regulated in a particularway. In one embodiment, vehicles equipped with a parking disk may beparked in a defined portion of the blue area. The maximum duration forparking may vary between 90 minutes and two hours as set by amunicipality or other authority. Of course, other durations may be used.Beyond the authorized period, the vehicle should be moved or face afine. Blue area parking may be well suited for small and medium sizedcities where parking problems don't require the implementation a heavieror more complex system.

Rotary parking may be reserved for shopping zones. In general, parkingmay be limited to two consecutive hours without the possibility toobtain additional time. For example, a user would be prevented fromobtaining another ticket, for additional time, at a ticket machine.

Hourly pricing may vary according to the location of the rotary parking.For example, in a European locality, pricing may vary between one tothree Euros per hour (payable per quarter of an hour) according to thedistrict where the parking is located. In one embodiment, residents maybe permitted to park at rotary parking areas, but only outside of thepaying hours. Various parameters may be taken into account in theconfiguration of rotary parking areas. For example, price, maximumduration for parking, or parking period (e.g. monthly, daily, hourly)may be taken into account.

Mixed parking generally combines two types of parking, and may occupyresidential areas in one or more embodiments. In one embodiment, mixedparking may comprise parking for residents, parking for visitors, orboth. To illustrate, in Paris, the price may be 0.5

per day (2.5

per week) for district residents holding a resident card. Visitorparking may be treated as rotary are parking. For example, visitorparking may be for two hours maximum at the hourly or other rate for arotary parking area.

Various parameters may be taken into consideration to define the mixedparking areas. For example, parking for residents may take into accountthe fare for various durations such as the fare for a day, week,fortnight, or other period. Other parameters may be taken into accountas well. For instance, pollution levels may be taken into account. Whenpollution levels are high, parking fare may be free or zero to encouragedrivers not to use their vehicle. Parking for visitors may by defined byparameters such as price, maximum parking duration, parking period (e.g.monthly, daily, hourly), or other parameters.

Better control and better management of parking areas provides numerousbenefits. For example, it fosters more rapid rotation and sharing thepublic space between parked motorists and motorists anxious to park. Itshould ameliorate circulation conditions and provide better access tothe city center. This is currently a problem because of the explosion ofthe number of vehicles and of the circulation of vehicles whilesearching for a parking space. For example, in some locations, around35% of traffic may be related to searching for a place to park.

Better control and management also allows better surveillance of theparking areas for tax and fee collection. In turn, this surveillancefacilitates control over parking areas. Currently, the size of parkinglots as well as the number of parking spaces may make achieving thisobjective difficult. According to a study carried out in France forexample, only the equivalent of two hours of parking fees/taxes iscollected out of a possible eight or nine hours.

Increased collection of fees/taxes provides the benefit of increasedrevenue. In fact, this increase may allow self-financing of a parkinglocator system, which is a highly desirable advantage for manymunicipalities. In fact, the collected revenues may be linked to parkingconstruction and therefore increase the places to offer to thepopulation for parking.

Use of the parking locator system also protects public spaces by helpingto prevent unauthorized or illegal parking at empty public spaces thatmay not be designated for vehicle parking. Currently, this is a problembecause of an explosion in the number of vehicles as well as a shortagein parking spaces. This uncontrolled and unauthorized parking is aserious problem which tremendously disrupts traffic circulation.

In one or more embodiments, the better control and management of parkingspaces, dissuading users from cheating, increased parking revenuecollections, and optimizing the parking agent's work in parking taxsettlement described herein may be provided as a park payment controlservice. It is contemplated that the park payment control service may beimplemented using the parking locator system described herein.

The park payment control service will not only help ensure control ofdifferent types of existing parking but also create new parking more inkeeping with the current environmental constraints (blocking in the citycentre, environment, etc. . . . ). The idea is to do contradictorycontrol between the payments made and actual parking duration. In casean anomaly is detected, the service may automatically inform parkingagents so they may intervene.

In one or more embodiments, the park payment control service may beconfigured to ensure drivers respect parking rules by ensuring coherencebetween the defined parking rules for the area, the parking duration,and the collected amounts. The service may utilize hardware or equipmentcomprising a communication interface in order to collect the informationrelated to user payments. The hardware or equipment may execute machinereadable code having instructions to provide aspects of the park paymentcontrol service. The instructions may be stored on a memory device orhardwired into the hardware or equipment itself. In one or moreembodiments, the hardware or equipment may be one or more components ofa parking locator system as described herein.

In some embodiments, the service utilizes a communications interface toallow communication between parking meters/ticket machines and aninterface card. The interface card may be in a server or other componentof a parking locator system. In order to minimize the modifications atthe parking meters/ticket machines, the communication method used may bea master/slave type communications scheme.

In operation, the parking meters/ticket machines may send a message tothe interface card each time a user pays its parking right. The controlservice may then monitor parking according to parking rules, notifyingparking agents of anomalies or violations. Notification may occurelectronically such as through audio, text or other message. In oneembodiment, a parking agent may receive notifications on his or herPocket PC.

In order to ensure the information exchange between the peripherals andthe interface card, an exchange protocol or data format may be defined.For example, FIG. 8 illustrates and exemplary XML descriptor for theexchange of information. As can be seen, the XML descriptor definesmessages available according to the type of peripheral. It will beunderstood that various exchange protocols or data formats may be usedto communicate information as well.

The parking meter/ticket machine connection to the parking locatorsystem offers real time management and enhances the management of:

-   -   The rise in real time of the turnover    -   Monitoring of the ticket machines for various conditions        -   Paper low        -   Currency full        -   Loss of connection        -   Malfunction    -   Ticket machine version

It is contemplated that the park payment control service may beimplemented in one or more portions or modules. For instance, a businessrules engine may be used to control the coherence between the parkingduration, the payments made, and the parking rules. A group managementmodule configured to better locate vehicles not respecting the parkingrules (it is the case of ticket machines) may be provided as well. Oneor more alarms may be set off and notification to the agents in chargeof controlling the parking payment may be given in some embodiments.These modules may be implemented as machine readable code in one or moreembodiments. The modules may also be hardwired into the hardware of aparking locator system as well.

This control module is decentralized at the interface board level of theparking locator network in order to minimize the traffic at the networklevel. In some embodiments, each ticket machine may manage between 50 to100 parking lots. In this manner, the lot processing is more rapid andrequires less power than if it was done at the server level. Moreover insome cases, it is desirable to be able to install the interface board inthe ticket machine itself.

The business rule engine may execute one or more execution rules in aproduction environment. The execution rules may be based on a legaljurisdiction, a business policy or other sources.

The terms of control may vary according to the parking types asdiscussed above. In one or more embodiments, the business rules enginemay be in charge of defining and implementing terms of control andensuring that they are being respected. The following illustratesexemplary terms of control for different parking types.

-   -   The Blue Areas:        -   Control of arrivals and departures        -   Alarms in case of exceeding the authorized time    -   Rotary parking        -   Control of arrivals and departures        -   Alarm set off if the taking a ticket is not done within a            predetermined number of minutes        -   Comparing the departures to tickets        -   Alarms in case of exceeding the authorized time            -   Link between the tickets time and the parking time            -   Exceeding the maximum time for authorized parking    -   Resident parking        -   Validation of the parking subscriber            -   Online control of the subscription validity (duration)            -   Control of the subscriber's use within the geographic                area            -   Freezing the place while it is occupied            -   Releasing the place once the car leaves it

It is noted that the terms of control or rules may be independent of theapplications or modules which execute the terms of control or rules. Inother words the terms of control or rules may be externalized from thebusiness rules engine or other module of the service. This allows easymodification of the terms of control or rules when desired.

In one or more embodiments, the business rules engine may be defined asfollows.

-   -   Controlling the coherence between active tickets and occupied        places. Their number should be always equal.    -   If there are fewer tickets than occupied places, the service        does not need to pick up tickets when a vehicle leaves.    -   Arrival of a vehicle on a parking place. Timeout of a        predetermined number of minutes to buy a ticket may be provided.        If no ticket is issued, then an alarm is set off.    -   Exceeding the legal duration of parking may cause an alarm to be        set off.    -   When a car leaves the parking, the service may cancel the ticket        which may or may not have a small amount of time remaining.    -   In case of an alarm,        -   Fine: takes out the space from the control process till the            departure of a vehicle occupying the place        -   Possibility of reactivating an alarm for having exceeded the            legal authorized duration        -   Identification of the parking lots thanks to the number            positioned at the level of the parking lots    -   In case of a booking without alarm, a parking agent may notify        the system which cancels the ticket with the shortest remaining        duration possible if the number of tickets is equivalent to the        number of occupied spaces.    -   If a ticket expires and the vehicle is not moving, an alarm may        be set off.    -   Adding a ticket without moving the car, replacement of a ticket        which duration is close to the expiration or cancellation of an        alarm for less than 5 minutes.

In the case of parking management through a ticket machine, the issuedtickets may be associated to an area and to a vehicle but not to aparking space, defined as it is the case by the ticket machine. Todetect parking anomalies or violations, the number of issued tickets foran area may be monitored or recorded. Even if it is possible to detectanomalies, the investigation area can be important according to thenumber of parking spaces associated to the ticket machine.

In general, a ticket machine ensures the management of 50-100 parkingspaces. This number is understandable since this solution forces theusers to move as far as the kiosk. Of course, a ticket machine mayensure management of fewer or more parking spaces. It is noted that dueto the privacy law in force in many countries, the system may beanonymous in one or more embodiments.

Some ticket machines of time stamp ask the users during the payment toenter the parking space (or parking lot) number over which his or hercar is parked. In that context, the system should control the coherencebetween the time paid and the time during which the parking lot or spacehas been occupied:

-   -   If the parking duration exceeds the amount paid, an agent may be        notified through an alarm message.    -   If the user leaves the parking lot before the end of the parking        duration, the meter may be cleared and this constitutes a profit        for the parking operator.

In some embodiments, in order to facilitate the parking agents' work byreducing their intervention area and optimizing their progress withinthe area to be controlled, it may be necessary to define the groups ofvehicles. A group of vehicles is defined as a set of vehicles which cometo park in a parking area for a period of time. The period of time maybe defined in a parameter stored in the memory or hardwired into theparking locator system. If many vehicles come to park in the intervaldefined by this parameter, it may be difficult to associate the ticketsto a parking space. The notion of groups of vehicles allows forautomatic creation of a link between the tickets and the parking spaceswhich have just been occupied.

As soon as a parking space is occupied, the space used (group ofcaptors) is linked to a group in progress. If no group is active, a newgroup is created and it will be active during the period of time definedby the parameter. A group can be made of only one vehicle if there isonly one which has come to park in the area during the period of timedefined by the parameter. The notion of groups allows reducing thesearch zone during the anomaly detection. More precisely, when there isno car movement and a ticket comes to its end, the cars which belong tothe related group of cars and the ticket are first targeted.

A group of vehicles may be closed when the period of time defined by theparameter comes to an end. No additional parking spaces may be added tothis group after it has closed. If the number of tickets is insufficientwithin the group (e.g. one or more users haven't been issued a ticket atthe ticket machines) an alarm may be set off at the group level. Thearrival order of vehicles could be then indicated/used to refine thefraud localization.

Even though it may not be possible to add parking places to a validatedgroup, the group will evolve according to possible departures (placeswhich are freed). The group may be destroyed when all the spaces, ofwhich the group is made of, are freed. If a space is freed and occupiedagain, it may be allocated to another group, unless it is re-occupiedbefore the period of time defined by the parameter has expired.

The implementation of these groups associated to business rules engineallows for the creation of different types of alarms. For example:

-   -   Alarm of place: the parking duration is too long for a given        place    -   Alarm of group: there are not enough tickets issued in a given        time for a group of occupied places.    -   Alarm of area: exceeding the parking duration in regards to        issued tickets (control can be done in a global way or within        groups—which can allow a better search direction for        unauthorized parking)

It is contemplated that the parking locator system may enable theregistration of parking agents' control (time input indicated on theticket). This would allow refining the control algorithms and targetingbetter the area/group alarms. When an Agent is notified by an alarmmessage, he has the possibility during the control to freeze the parkinglot till the car leaves the parking lot. So thus, it is not taken intoaccount in the control process till the parking lot is vacant again.

Additional functionality may be provided through use of one or moreparking kiosks with the parking locator system. An exemplary parkingkiosk is illustrated in FIG. 9. As shown, the parking kiosk 904comprises an enclosure 908 which houses or supports various componentsof the parking kiosk. The enclosure 908 may be elevated by a stand 936in some embodiments for convenience and accessibility. Though referredto herein as a “kiosk” it will become apparent from the disclosureherein that the “parking kiosk” may be configured as a parking meter,other kiosk, ATM, or other publicly accessible terminal in someembodiments.

The parking kiosk 904 may have a variety of components to perform itsfunction. As shown for example, the parking kiosk 904 comprises adisplay 912, one or more buttons 928 or other input devices for userinput, a payment acceptor 916, and a printer 920. The parking kiosk 904may also include a display area 924 for displaying instructions,advertising, information, and the like. As will be discussed furtherbelow, the printer 920 is generally used to provide printed material toa user, however it will be understood that a ticket or other mediadispenser may be used instead of or in addition to the printer 920. Inaddition to a display 924, printer 920, or media dispenser, it is notedthat other devices capable of presenting information to a user may beused, such as character-based readouts, speakers, tactile interfaces,and the like.

A parking kiosk 904 may be associated with one or more parking spaces inone or more embodiments. For example, a parking kiosk 904 may be locatednear a plurality of parking locators, receive/send parking informationfrom a plurality of parking locators, or both. In this manner, a singleparking kiosk 904 may accept payment of parking fees relative to aplurality of parking spaces. This also allows the parking kiosk 904 toprint, dispense, deliver, distribute or otherwise present receipts andother materials at or near the plurality of parking spaces. Each parkingspace may have its own parking kiosk 904 in some embodiments. Theparking kiosk 904 may resemble a parking meter or the like in suchembodiments.

In general, the parking kiosk 904 takes or accepts payment allowing adriver to legally park for a period of time. Payment may be accepted invarious ways now known or later developed. As shown for example, thekiosk 904 includes a payment acceptor 916 capable of accepting coins,paper currency, and credit cards and the like. It is contemplated thatthe payment acceptor 916 may include a wireless interface to acceptpayment via RFID or wireless cards, stored value cards or devices, andthe like. As used herein, stored value card or device refers to a cardor device which may be used to transfer credit, currency, or other valueto an account. In general, stored value cards or devices allow paymenttransactions through wireless near field communication.

Once payment is made, the parking kiosk 904 may provide a receipt. Thereceipt may be tangible, such as on a piece of paper, electronic, orboth. For example, the receipt may be printed by the kiosk's printer920, stored in a memory or a database, or a combination thereof.Traditionally, receipts are printed so that the driver may place orstick them visibly in the driver's vehicle. The kiosk 904 herein mayprovide an electronic receipt which does not require the use of paper.For example, a receipt may be emailed, sent by SMS or GPRS, or otherwiseelectronically transmitted to a user device. In one embodiment, thekiosk 904 may display a reference number, code, or other identifier thatthe driver may record in the event that there is a dispute regarding thelegality of his or her parking.

The driver may provide input to the parking kiosk 904 via input buttons928. This input may comprise payment information, user or vehicleidentifying information, as well as other information. For example, thedriver may input an address, zip code, or the like to show he or she isa valid credit card holder. In some embodiments, the driver may providehis or her vehicle license plate or other information regarding his orher vehicle. It is noted that in some embodiments, the parking kiosk 904may receive user or vehicle identifying information from a parkinglocator. For example, the parking locator may read a tag associated witha vehicle, as discussed above, which identifies the vehicle, itsdriver/owner, or both. If identified, the driver need not enteridentifying information in one or more embodiments.

The display 912 of the parking kiosk 904 may be used to display orpresent information to a driver to aid in use of the kiosk or to provideother information to the driver. The driver may then provide input viathe input buttons 928 in response to displayed information. For example,the display 912 may request specific information such as identifyinginformation or payment information. The display 912 may also be used todisplay the amount the driver is paying and the amount of parking timethe driver is receiving. The display 912 may also present advertising insome embodiments, such as advertising for nearby or local businesses. Itis noted that the display 912 may be touch sensitive to collect inputfrom the driver as well. It is contemplated that directions to variousnearby businesses, attractions, restrooms, transportation hubs orstations, or the like may be requested and provided by the kiosk 904 viathe display 912 in some embodiments.

Though not shown in FIG. 9, the parking kiosk 904 may also comprise oneor more processors, storage devices, transceivers/communication devices,or a combination thereof in one or more embodiments. Like thetransceivers described above, the kiosk's transceiver(s) allow the kioskto communicate with other devices and in particular allows the kiosk tocommunicate with other devices of the parking locator system. Thetransceiver may be configured to transmit and receive data orinformation through wired or wireless communication links as well asvarious networks. The processors may be configured to executeinstructions to allow the kiosk to perform its functions. Theseinstructions may be hard wired into the processor, stored on a storagedevice, or both in one or more embodiments.

It is noted that the storage device may also store parking and otherinformation. For example, a log or other record of payments, parkingtimes, identifying information may be stored by the processor on thememory device. It is noted that the parking kiosk 904 may also store andaccess parking and other information on a remote device, such as aserver, using its transceiver.

As shown in FIG. 10, in one or more embodiments, the parking kiosk 904may be used with a parking locator cluster 708. In FIG. 10, the parkingkiosk 904 is in communication with a control box 604 and may send andreceive parking information as well as other information to and from thecontrol box. As stated above, this communication may be wired orwireless.

It is noted that the parking kiosk 904 may be configured as a controlbox in one or more embodiments. For instance, a parking kiosk 904 maycomprise a power distributor and/or other components of a control box toperform the function of a control box. In these embodiments, parkinginformation could be directly received from one or more parking locatorsby the parking kiosk 904 and a separate control box 604 would not berequired.

The parking information allows the parking kiosk 904 to determineoccupied and unoccupied parking spaces. Accordingly, the parking kiosk904 may utilize the parking information to verify a driver's inputs whenpaying for parking. For instance, the parking information may be used toverify that the driver has correctly entered the space number orlocation of the parking space at which he or she is parked. This isbeneficial because it helps ensure that the driver is paying for theright parking space and that parking tickets are not erroneously issuedto the driver.

The parking locators may identify themselves through a code or otheridentifier sent with the parking information. The parking kiosk 904 mayutilize this information to determine the location (e.g. street,address, latitude/longitude) where the driver is parked. For example,the parking kiosk 904 may query a database requesting the location of aparticular parking locator. The location information may be used toprovide targeted promotional materials, as will be discussed furtherbelow.

It is contemplated that the parking kiosk 904 may utilize the controlbox's transceiver 616 to communicate with other devices such as alocation server of the parking locator system. In this manner, parkinginformation may also or alternatively be communicated between theparking kiosk 904 and a location server through the control box 604.This is beneficial especially because the location server may storeinformation, such a user information, which may not be available on thecontrol box.

To illustrate, the parking kiosk 904 may access user accounts or userinformation on the location server to allow for automated payment ofparking fees. For example, if an account holder's vehicle is identifiedby a parking locator, or if the account holder identifies him or herselfat a parking kiosk 904, parking fees may be automatically charged to theuser using previously saved payment information. In addition, it iscontemplated that the user accounts may have one or more savedpreferences that allow customization of the parking kiosk 904 interfaceor operation for particular users.

It is noted that a user's parking history may be stored or associatedwith the user account. For example, the locations or spaces a user hasparked at, the times when a user parks, or both may be collected andrecorded on a location or other server. As can be seen, the parkinglocator system may collect a volume of data regarding the parking habitsor parking history of drivers. In one or more embodiments, this data maybe provided to providers or other individuals or entities seeking suchdata. The data may be made anonymous such that information pertaining toparticular drivers is not accessible. For instance, the data may beprovided as statistical or demographic information in one or moreembodiments. In addition, it is contemplated that drivers may be giventhe option to opt out so that their information remains private.

The data may be offered for a subscription fee or flat fee or otherpayment method. It is contemplated that periodic reports and informationabout drivers who have parked within a space of the parking locatorsystem may be provided. In some embodiments, such reports andinformation may be provided as requested. Revenue from distributing thisparking history data may be used to, at least partially, pay for thecosts associated with the parking locator system.

The parking kiosk 904 need not be connected to parking locators 104 or acontrol box 604 in some embodiments. Stated another way, the parkingkiosk 904 may be independent and need not be included in a parkinglocator cluster in some embodiments. For example, the parking kiosk 904may communicate with location and other servers, parking locators, andother devices through one or more of its own transceivers orcommunication devices. It is contemplated that individual communicationdevices may be configured to communicate with particular externaldevices. For example, one communication device may be used tocommunicate with one or more parking locators 104 while anothercommunication device may be configured to communicate with a server suchas through a network.

In one or more embodiments, the parking locator system may include apromotion distribution system that may be provided to drivers through aparking kiosk 904. This promotion feature may include discounts, freeoffers, other promotional offers, marketing information, and the likefrom businesses, merchants, vendors, or other providers. In oneembodiment, the driver may be provided discounts, promotions, and offersfrom businesses around the parking space in which the driver has parked.For example, in one embodiment, the driver may receive discounts,promotions, and free merchandise from businesses within an areasurrounding the parking kiosk 904 or parking space in which the driverhas parked.

It is contemplated that other users, such as pedestrians, may use theparking kiosk 904 to browse promotional materials offered by providers.In one embodiment, such users may not be provided the promotionalmaterials without first paying for parking. In another embodiment, thepromotional materials may be provided without condition.

The promotional materials may be distributed or presented electronicallyor non-electronically in one or more embodiments. For examplepromotional materials may be printed on a physical medium, such as apaper medium, or may be presented on an electronic medium, such as on adisplay or screen. FIG. 11A illustrates exemplary promotional material1104 comprising a coupon for a free donut at a nearby coffee shoppresented on a display 912 of a parking kiosk 904. As can be seen, theprovider or merchant's address/location may be distributed with thepromotional material in one or more embodiments. Other informationassociated with the promotional material may also be presented. Forexample, contact information for the provider may be presented with thepromotional material.

In one embodiment, promotional materials 1104 may comprise or beaccompanied by a video and/or audio presentation to inform the driver ofwhat is being offered to the driver. Such presentation may be providedvia the display 912, one or more speakers, or both of the parking kiosk904. It will be understood that such presentation may also betransferred to and presented via another electronic device having ascreen and/or one or more speakers. For example, in FIG. 11C, thepromotional material 1104 is shown on a hand held electronic device. Ascan be seen, the promotional material 1104 may share a screen with otherinformation. The parking kiosk 904 may include one or more communicationdevices to communicate with such hand held or other electronic devices.For example, the parking kiosk 904 may comprise a Bluetooth or WiFicommunication device for such purposes.

Of course, the same promotional material 1104 as that shown in FIG. 11Aor other promotional material may be printed by the printer 920 to beprovided to a driver, or issued as pre-printed materials via a mediadispenser. It is contemplated that promotional materials 1104 may bemailed as well. This is beneficial in that it entices the user to returnto the same area after receiving the mailed promotional materials. Also,the user may be enticed to input his or her address information inexchange for the benefits provided by the mailed promotional materials1104. It is also contemplated that the driver may be given the option tochoose electronic delivery, non-electronic delivery (e.g. printer ormail delivery), or both of the promotional materials 1104 in one or moreembodiments. Such option may be presented on the display of the parkingkiosk 904 and selected through one or more user inputs of the kiosk.

In some embodiments, the promotional materials 1104 may be delivered toone or more electronic devices through a wired or wireless connection.For example, promotional materials may be sent to a device, such as acell phone, smart phone, portable media player, or portable game system,through a Bluetooth connection, USB connection, or as an email, SMS textmessage, or GPRS data. This electronic delivery is advantageous in thatno paper is used or wasted.

Once delivered, the promotional materials 1104 may be viewed on theelectronic device. In addition, a driver may present the promotionalmaterials to a vendor with the electronic device to receive the discountor other benefit provided by the materials. For example, the promotionalmaterials 1104 may include a barcode that may be scanned off the screenof the driver's cell phone or other device. It is contemplated that acode, one or more words, a phrase, or the like may be presented to thedriver as part of the promotional materials 1104. In this manner,promotion offers may be redeemed by the driver repeating or otherwisepresenting the code, phrase, or the like to a vendor.

In some embodiments, promotional materials 1104 may comprise bothelectronic and non-electronic elements. For instance, promotionalmaterials 1104 may comprise a store credit, currency, rebate, or othervalue transferred to a stored value card, stored value device, smartcard, gift card, or the like. After the value is transferred, a printedreceipt indicating the value transferred may be provided to the drivervia the printer 920. The receipt may also include the business name andlocation along with any qualifying or other terms of the promotionaloffer. It is contemplated that the receipt may be electronic as well insome embodiments.

In some embodiments, the driver may be provided multiple promotions orcategories of promotions and may be allowed to choose one or more ofthem. For instance, in FIG. 11B, the display 912 shows a selection ofpromotional materials 1104 from which the driver may pick one or more.This cuts down on costs and waste from printing unwanted promotionalmaterials 1104 and prevents unwanted (electronic and non-electronic)promotional materials from inconveniencing the driver.

It is contemplated that promotional materials 1104 may be delivered byother kiosk-type devices, various stand alone media dispensers, or otherdelivery devices rather than parking kiosks 904. For example,promotional materials 1104 may be displayed, dispensed, or printed by adelivery device near one or more parking spaces. By virtue of itslocation, the delivery device provides promotional materials 1104 todrivers in a manner similar to that described with regard to the parkingkiosk 904. Like a parking kiosk 904, a delivery device may be providedon a roll or other medium of previously printed or made promotionalmaterials or may receive promotional materials through a distributionsystem, as will be described further below.

In one or more embodiments, the promotional materials 1104 may assist intraffic control. For example, higher discounts or other benefits may beincreased if the driver parks during certain times of the day. In thismanner, drivers may be incentivized to park in an area during off-peakor less traffic congested times of the day. To illustrate, the exemplarypromotional material 1104 of FIG. 11A provides a time between 2-3 PMwhen the offer is valid.

In addition, promotional materials 1104 may be used to re-energizeeconomic and other activity in certain areas. For example, enticingpromotions for an area targeted for redevelopment may be provided. Thisencourages drivers to visit the redevelopment area which may increaseeconomic activity in the area along with visitor traffic. As a furtherbenefit, traffic in congested areas may be redirected to a redevelopmentarea. In this manner, traffic is reduced in congested areas whilere-energizing other areas.

In one or more embodiments, the promotion feature may include adistribution system to receive and distribute promotional materials sothat the materials can be provided to drivers. In general, thedistribution system collects promotional materials from one or morebusinesses, vendors, merchants, or other providers. The distributionsystem may include one or more servers or devices from which parkingkiosks may access the promotional materials for delivery to one or moredrivers.

FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary distribution system. As shown, thedistribution system comprises one or more repository servers 1212connected to one or more parking kiosks 904 via a network 720 and one ormore communication links 716. Providers may utilize one or more providerclients 1208, such as personal computers or other devices, to interactwith repository servers 1212 through the network 720. To illustrate, aprovider may utilize his or her computer to create, send, and updatepromotional materials to the repository server 1212. A parking kiosk 904may then retrieve one or more of the promotional materials from therepository server 1212 based on the location of the kiosk relative tothe provider's location.

The repository server 1212 may comprise one or more processors, storagedevices, and transceivers (e.g. network interfaces). The processors mayexecute instructions, such as machine readable code, stored on thestorage devices which cause the repository server 1212 to perform itsfunctions as described herein. In addition, data such as the text,images, sound, audio, video, and the like which make up the promotionalmaterials may be stored on the storage devices. As will be discussedbelow, other data, such a provider locations, may also be associatedwith the promotional materials and stored on the memory devices. It willbe understood that the repository server 1212 may communicate with otherdevices, such as storage or web servers, to receive, update, anddistribute the promotional materials.

In one embodiment, the repository server 1212 may comprise a web serveror be connected to a web server to allow provider clients 1208 tocreate, store, update, and/or delete promotional materials on the servervia a web interface. Of course, other interfaces other than a webinterface may be used. For example, the provider clients 1208 may run adatabase application configured to interact with the repository server1212.

As stated, the repository server 1212 may store text as well asmultimedia files such as animations, video, pictures, and audio for eachpromotional material. This data may be stored in a database in one ormore embodiments. The promotional materials may include other data aswell. For example, expiration dates, start and/or end times foroffers/promotions, and terms and conditions may be include with thepromotional materials. In this manner, a provider may control when andhow a promotional material is presented to drivers. If desired, aparking authority such as a city or municipality may require or requestproviders that use the distribution system to make better offersavailable at certain times to incentivize drivers to park at certaintimes of the day. As stated above, this may be used to reduce trafficcongestion or to re-energize certain areas.

The provider's location may also be included or associated with theproviders' promotional material in one or more embodiments. This allowspromotional materials only for nearby providers to be delivered to adriver by the parking kiosk 904. In one embodiment, the repositoryserver 1212 provides promotional materials for providers within a targetarea. Typically, but not always, the target area may be an areaextending a particular distance surrounding the parking kiosk 904. Forexample, in some situations only promotional materials for businesses onthe same street, block, or section of a block as the parking kiosk 904may be provided. In other situations, promotional materials forproviders on adjacent streets or blocks may be provided as well.Typically, but not always, the promotional materials presented to adriver will have provider locations within walking distance so that thedriver does not have to leave his or her parking space to use thepromotional materials. However, it will be understood that variousdistances may be used.

The provider may be permitted to define one or more target areassurrounding the provider's location or remote from the provider'slocation in which to offer promotional materials. In addition to theabove, a target area may be measured as various distances from theparking kiosk or other point, in fractions of a block, full blocks,multiple blocks, and the like. For example, a target area may be adistance surrounding the parking locator or parking space at which thedriver has parked. Specifically defined city areas, or districts such asfor example, the city center, commerce district, downtown, Saint-Germaindistrict, or the like may also be used as target areas as well.

Target areas may be stored in the distribution system, such as on arepository server 1212 or other server. Target areas may be associatedwith the promotional materials so that a target area or areas forparticular materials can be retrieved by a parking kiosk 904. In thismanner, a vendor or business can control at which locations or parkingkiosks 904 promotional materials for their business are provided. Forexample, a bait and tackle store may wish to target areas near fishingspots regardless of where these spots are located relative to thestore's location. To accomplish this, the store may setup one or moretarget areas near or at the fishing spots.

In one or more embodiments, a provider may utilize a provider client1208 to setup target areas for the provider's promotional materials. Itis contemplated that the provider may be allowed to define target areasor that the provider may be allowed to select from a list of predefinedtarget areas. Predefined target areas may be for example, the street orblock where the parking kiosk is located, adjacent streets or blocks,one or more defined city areas, and the like. The provider's target areaselections or definitions may be communicated to a repository server1212 through the provider client 1208.

The distribution system may be integrated with the parking locatorsystem in a variety of ways. In general, placing one or more parkingkiosks 904, repository servers 1212, or both in communication withelements of a parking locator system, such as a control box, parkinglocator, or location server of a parking locator system, integrates thedistribution system into the parking locator system.

A parking kiosk 904 may be configured to request promotional materialsbased on the location in which a vehicle is parked. This locationinformation may be received from one or more parking locators.Alternatively the request may be based on the location of the driver oruser. For example, the request may be based on the location of theparking kiosk 904 which the driver or user is currently using.

A request for promotional materials may then include the location orvicinity in which the vehicle is parked. The vicinity may be a definedarea around or near the parking space where the user has parked. Asystem administrator or other personnel may define the vicinities forparticular parking spaces or areas in one or more embodiments, and suchdefinition(s) may be stored by a server, such as the repository server1212.

Typically, a request for promotional materials will be sent to arepository server 1212. The repository server 1212 may then retrieveappropriate promotion materials from one or more storage devices. Forexample, promotional materials having an associated target area that iswithin, nearby, or that overlaps the vicinity in which the user hasparked or is located may be retrieved. The repository server 1212 maythen transmit the retrieved promotional materials to the parking kiosk904. The parking kiosk 904 may then present one or more of thepromotional materials to the user, such as in the manners describedabove.

It is contemplated that the parking kiosk 904 may be configured toorganize the received promotional materials, such as by placing them ina particular order. For example, the promotional materials may becategorized by the types of goods or services offered. Where a user isidentified by the parking kiosk 904, the parking kiosk may utilizepersonal characteristics or information associated with the user toprioritize or order the received promotional materials.

It is noted that a distribution system administrator or other personnelmay configure the parking kiosk 904 (or repository server 1212 or both)to retrieve particular subsets of promotional materials. For example, todrive traffic to other areas of a city or other area, the parking kiosk904 may be configured to retrieve promotional materials having a targetarea near or overlapping a vicinity, and also having a providerlocation/address that is remote from the vicinity. In this manner, if auser desires to take advantage of a promotion he or she must travel tothe provider's location which is remote from his or her current vicinity(thus increasing visitation to the area where the provider is located).The distribution system may be configured to “favor” particular areassuch that those areas may be more directly re-energized.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary parking locator system having adistribution system for promotional materials. As shown, elements of thedistribution system can communicate with a location server 712, parkinglocator cluster 708, an individual parking locator 104, as well as userdevices 704 via one or more networks 720, communication links 716 (whichmay be wired or wireless), or both. Through the network 720 it ispossible for each device to communicate with any other device ifdesired.

In operation, a parking kiosk 904 may attempt to identify the userpaying for parking. As described above, this may be accomplished byquerying identifying information stored in the location server 712. Forexample, a user may be identified by the vehicle he or she has parked(e.g. vehicle identifying information), by his or her paymentinformation, or by the user identifying him or herself to the parkingkiosk, such as through a username and password. It is contemplated thatthe parking kiosk 904 may include one or more biometric readers toidentify users in some embodiments. Identification of a user allows theuser's account information, parking history, and other informationregarding the user to be retrieved, such as from a location server 712or other server.

To illustrate, if a user can be identified, then specific promotions maybe presented to the user. For example, promotional materials relating tospecific goods or services near locations where the user has parked inthe past may be delivered. In addition, promotional materials targetedto the user's demographic group or other characteristic may bepresented.

It will be understood that the user need not be identified in allcircumstances or embodiments in order to be presented promotionalmaterials. For instance, promotional materials may be provided basedonly on the user's vicinity, as discussed above. In such embodiments,the parking kiosk 904 may utilize the location at which the user hasparked or the location at which the user is using the parking kiosk togenerated a request particular promotional materials.

For the purposes of targeting promotional materials to identified users,a log or record of the user's parking history may be kept. For example,when a user parks at a space within the parking locator system a recordmay be made and associated with the user's information or account in aserver, such as a repository server 1212 or location server 712. Overtime, a list of the user's visited locations may be compiled. Then, whenthe user next interacts with a parking kiosk 904, specific promotionalmaterials for providers near or at the user's visited locations may beprovided.

The user's parking history may also be used in a variety of other waysto provide specific promotional materials. For instance, a provider,when creating promotional materials, may be provided the option topresent particular promotional materials to users who frequently park atcertain locations. These locations may be that of competitors,businesses offering complementary servers (e.g. pet groomers andveterinary offices), or any other location the provider chooses. Ofcourse, the parking history data may be used for other purposes, such asbut not limited to marketing or other research, as well.

It is noted that use of the parking kiosk 904 may also be simplified forusers that can be identified. For example, the user may not have toinput address information for mailing of promotional materials. Inaddition, the user may save preferences or settings regarding thelocations, types, categories, or providers from which the user willreceive promotional materials.

Rather than being identified as a particular person, a user may beloosely identified in some situations for the purposes of providingtargeted promotional materials. For example, a driver may be categorizedas a commuter, tourist, casual visitor, business visitor, etc. . . . andprovided particular promotional materials as a result. For instance, ifthe user is a tourist, he or she may receive promotional materials fromthe city government on specific sites to see, recommended businesses tovisit, or other city government information that may be of interest tothe user. If the user is a business visitor, he or she may be providedpromotional materials from hotels, taxi services, and the like.

A loose identification or categorization of a user may occur in variousways. In one embodiment, the user's payment information or identifyinginformation may be used to categorize the user. For example, if a creditcard number, account number, zip code, or telephone number indicates theuser is from another state or country, the user may be categorized as atourist. In another example, a user may be categorized as a businessvisitor if his or her payment information indicates use of a business orcorporate credit card or account for parking fee payment.

In some embodiments, the user may be queried by the parking kiosk 904for information that may be used to categorize the user. For example,the user may be required or requested to enter the license plate numberof his or her vehicle. If the license plate number indicates a rentalcar, the user may be categorized as a tourist or casual visitor. Ofcourse, the user may be asked to categorize him or herself as well. Forexample, a menu of categories may be presented and the user allowed tochoose one or more of the categories. To illustrate, the parking kiosk904 may present a menu of buttons labeled “Tourist”, “Business Visitor”,and “Local”. Once a category is chose, the promotional materials for thechosen category may be delivered to the user.

It is noted that, in some cases, it may be difficult to determine acategory for a user. In these cases, a default category may be used. Forinstance, users that cannot be categorized may be automaticallycategorized as locals or another category. Of course, there may be aparticular category for such users that cannot be categorized, and suchcategory may include its own particular promotional materials. Forexample, the user may be categorized as an anonymous user and bepresented promotional materials from a generic set of promotionalmaterials. It is contemplated that, in one or more embodiments, bothidentified users and unidentified users may be categorized for thepurposes of distributing particular promotional materials. In otherembodiments, only unidentified users may be categorized.

Presentation (or delivery) of traffic information, parking information,promotional materials, and other information may be provided by theparking locator system in various ways. In one or more embodiments, suchpresentation may occur through a screen or display, or be on paper or asimilar medium, such as already described above. FIGS. 14A-14Eillustrate some exemplary presentations which may be provided by theparking locator system.

FIG. 14A illustrates a parking availability chart 1408 for a search area1404 indicated by the circle in the figure. As can be seen, each day ofthe week may be shown in the chart with one or more color coded, shaded,or otherwise differentiated parking times. A driver may use the chart1408 to determine parking availability based on the color or othercharacteristic of the times in the chart. In the example of FIG. 14A,medium shading means parking is definitely available, light shadingmeans available parking is questionable (e.g., there are some parkingspaces open at some times, or parking space are only open for shortperiods of time before they are reoccupied), and dark shading means noparking is available. It is contemplated that the driver may be provideda legend 1416, such as in the upper left corner of FIG. 14A, to discernthe meaning of the color or other characteristic of the parking times.Of course, color, shading, or other characteristics may refer to variousmeasures of parking availability in one or more embodiments.

In FIG. 14A, a particular search area has been defined. It will beunderstood that a driver may define other search areas 1404, and thatthe parking availability chart 1408 may be accordingly updated. Forinstance, FIG. 14B illustrates how a search area 1404 may be increasedor decreased. This allows a driver both to focus a search on an area1404, and to expand the search to find other available spaces. Forexample, if no spaces are within the driver's first search area 1404, heor she may expand the search area. In FIG. 14B, this is shown bycircle(s) of increasing size. It is contemplated that the driver mayexpand the search area 1404 as desired or that the driver may be given aselection of differently sized search areas and be permitted to choosefrom the selection. The driver may also start with a large search area1404 and reduce the search area to find a parking space, if he or shedesires.

Of course, search areas 1404 may be defined in a variety of ways otherthan by the area within a circle. For example, one or more streets,blocks, districts, or portions thereof may be used as a search area1401. If a new search area 1401 is defined, it is contemplated that theparking availability chart or other presentation of parking availabilitymay be accordingly updated in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 14C illustrates another exemplary display for parking availability.As shown here, streets or portions thereof have been shaded to representtheir available parking spaces. Of course, color or othercharacteristics in addition or instead of shading could be used torepresent the same. As can be seen by the legend 1416 of FIG. 14C, theavailable parking may be presented as a percentage of the parking spacesfor a street or portion thereof. In the figure, a first shading orcharacteristic indicates greater than 30% of the spaces are available, asecond shading or characteristic indicates between 10% and 30% of thespaces are available, and a third shading or characteristic indicatesless than 10% of the spaces are available. It is note that, in additionor alternatively, the actual number of available spaces may be provided,as can be seen by the numbered tags 1412 of FIG. 14C.

As stated, traffic information may also be provided in some embodiments.FIG. 14D provides an exemplary display of parking information that maybe provided by the parking locator system. As can be seen, the parkinglocator system is capable of providing detailed traffic information. Forexample, in addition to notifying drivers of traffic issues, the parkinglocator system may identify road hazards, construction, undesirableroads/routes (e.g. roads that are narrow, steep, in bad neighborhoods,etc. . . . ), and emergencies, among other things. In FIG. 14D, theparking locator system utilizes graphics or icons, however, it will beunderstood that other indicators, such as one or more colors, shading,or the like may be used.

FIG. 14E illustrates an exemplary presentation showing a driver how theparking locator system may operate in one embodiment. This is beneficialin that it informs drivers how to use the system and how the systemworks. In addition, this is beneficial in that, after or during viewingof the presentation, drivers may be enticed or encouraged to sign up orsubscribe to the parking locator system's revenue generating services,such as those described herein. For example, in one embodiment, thedriver may be shown this presentation at a parking kiosk or on a userdevice when first encountering the parking locator system. Realizing thebenefits, the driver may then sign up or subscribe to one or moreservices provided by the parking locator system.

In the example of FIG. 14E, the driver is being shown a parking locator104 or parking locator cluster which is sending parking informationindicating parking space availability to a location server 712 within abuilding. The user 1420 may query and/or receive the parking informationfrom the location server 712 such as through a user device. As shown bythe arrow 1424, the user may be provided directions to any unoccupiedparking spaces that are available. Also illustrated is a socialnetworking aspect of the parking locator system as has been describedabove. As can be seen, the location of other users 1428 may be providedto the user 1420 by the parking locator system, such as through thelocation server 712. In this manner, as described above, the user 1420may locate or meet other users 1428 of the parking locator system.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising, receiving, by a processor,identification information associated with a parking space; based uponthe identification information, determining, by the processor, avicinity which surrounds the parking space; receiving, by the processor,first promotional material from a first merchant wherein the firstpromotional material includes a first merchant location and one or moretarget areas wherein the one or more target areas define areas in whichthe first merchant wants the first promotional material to bedistributed, and wherein said first promotional material is configuredto be retrieved based upon a first selection criteria by the firstmerchant, the first selection criteria including the one or more targetareas overlapping with the vicinity; receiving, by the processor, secondpromotional material associated with a second merchant wherein thesecond promotional material is distributed to drive vehicle trafficoutside of the vicinity to where the second merchant is located, andwherein said second promotional material is configured to be retrievedbased upon second selection criteria specified by an entity separatefrom the second merchant, the second selection criteria includingvehicle traffic conditions in the vicinity; retrieving, by theprocessor, at least one promotional material selected from among thefirst promotional material and the second promotional material basedupon the vicinity, the first selection criteria specified by the firstmerchant and the second selection criteria specified by the entity; andsending, by the processor, the at least one promotional material to aremote device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is amobile device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device is aparking kiosk.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the identificationinformation is received from a parking kiosk.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the identification information is received from a mobile device.6. The method of claim 1, wherein the identification information isreceived from a parking locator configured to generate parkinginformation.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least onepromotional material is valid during a particular time period toencourage one or more drivers to visit one or more areas outside of thevicinity at the particular time period.
 8. The method of claim 1,further comprising: receiving identification information associated witha user.
 9. The method of claim 8, retrieving the at least onepromotional material selected from among the first promotional materialand the second promotional material based upon the identificationinformation.
 10. The method of claim 8, further comprising based uponthe identification information, determining an account associated withthe user; retrieving from the account a plurality of locations where theuser has previously purchased parking and retrieving, the at least onepromotional material selected from among the first promotional materialand the second promotional material based upon the plurality oflocations where the user has previously purchased parking.
 11. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising determining an identity of a userwhich has purchased parking associated with the parking space.
 12. Themethod of claim 11, further comprising sending a location of the parkingspace and identity information associated with the user to a secondremote device.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising prior tosending the location of the parking space and the identity informationto the second remote device, receiving identification informationassociated with a second user and determining whether the second user isauthorized to receive the location of the parking space and the identifyinformation.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, determiningthe second user is authorized based upon a list of authorized usersstored in an account associated with the user.
 15. The method of claim1, further comprising: receiving a request to purchase parkingassociated with the parking space.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe at least one promotional material is only sent after the parking ispurchased.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least onpromotional material includes a discount on a purchase of a product. 18.The method of claim 1 further comprising: receiving location informationassociated with a user and retrieving the at least one promotionalmaterial selected from among the first promotional material and thesecond promotional material based upon the location information.
 19. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the first promotional material includes afirst target area and a second target area, separate from the firsttarget area, and wherein the first merchant location is in one of thefirst target area or the second target area.
 20. The method of claim 1,wherein the identification information is received from a parking meter.